My First Luger
 

First let me say as an older newbe that this is BEST forum I have ever read. My first Luger was purchased saterday, after extensive research at this site. Have trouble sleeping now!!! Its a DWM 1916, all matching, ser # 5040 with a f suffix, including the mag, loading tool marked with the same proof mark as the 2nd and 3rd, extra mag is a mint FXO e37 x2 plastic bottom. It all came in a Holster marked F.W. Rosenbaum, Breslau, 1916. The gun shows no straw color on the parts that should be and retains about 90-95% blue. I think this is an honest wwI/wwII luger. Opinions welcomed. HAIL to our Vet's on this special day!!!

Looks like a great gun with the correct shade of blue. The holster strap has been replaced, hope the belt loops are original. If the strap is the only non-original part, the holster is an excellent candidate for modestly priced restoration. Rosenbaum is an uncommon maker, so overall quite a prize. Bought my first in 1957 from the vet who brought it back. He disasembled it in 1946 and put all of the parts into a paper bag, so I got the pieces, bag and all. Condition was about 75-80% and it was a typical 1938 S/42. He hadn't touched it since, so it was in the condition as captured. It cost me nearly a week's pay, but I'll never forget the fun I had putting it all back together with help from a Shooter's Bible illustration. Good luck with it!

Thanks John. I got it from a local person who was buying guns from guys who needed beer money about 30 years ago. I have more pics but dont know how to get more than 1 at a time on. Tim

I guess it one at a time

more pics

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Tim,

The tool is from the era, but wasn't produced by DWM. It's from the armory at Erfurt but take heart, those are scarcer than the DWM's, which are blank. I was always amazed at the fine workmanship that went into the Lugers produced at DWM throughout WWI. On the other hand, the quality of Erfurt's fit and finish progressively deteriorated. Enjoy!

Thanks again John. Great imformation. I have been handeling guns for the last 50 years and I'm still a novice when it comes to these historic weapons. I have two p38's and the above Luger. Great weapons. I'm assuming that the same proofs are on the Erfurts also. Opinions on value for the rig? I have about $1200 in cash and trade for it, but its not the money, its the history. I'm happy with it if I paid too much. Tim

I don't think you paid too much... you got a good deal. Welcome to the Lugerforum from another "John"

Thanks John. Super site!! Going blind reading all the posts. Wife said I called her "luger" in in my sleep. I need medication. Love it.

Tim,
Assuming that the bore is in the same condition as the rest of the gun, I'd value it alone at around $1,500 with the matching mag. Add $80 for the tool and another $120 for the Type 4 mag and you've done very well. I bought a honey of a byf at the last Denver show at the asking price of <$1,000 but that's pure dumb luck anymore. I stopped selling them a few years ago. Sounds like you've got the "fever."